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Doug Hamilton named as host of Prairie Public’s public affairs radio program

Monday, October 1, 2012

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October 1, 2012, FARGO, N.D. — Doug Hamilton is stepping up to the microphone as Prairie Public’s newest radio personality. Hamilton will host the network’s public affairs program “Hear It Now,” heard weekdays at 3 p.m. CT.

Ashley Thornberg has also joined the “Hear It Now” staff as a special contributor.

Hamilton is well known for his work in broadcasting—as a reporter, producer, director and anchor for KXJB-TV and KTHI-TV, now operating as KVLY-TV, in the ’70s and ’80s and as a reporter and anchor for KFGO radio in the 1990’s. He also hosted the popular public radio news program “Morning Edition” for Minnesota Public Radio in the ‘80s.

More recently, Hamilton was the executive director of foundation/advancement at MSUM and served as the university’s assistant to the president for media and community relations.

Thornberg has been on the Prairie Public development staff since 2009 and is adding special radio assignments to her responsibilities. She has worked as a freelance writer and photographer and was a producer and reporter at Valley News Live before joining Prairie Public.

Prairie Public’s director of radio, Bill Thomas, explained that “Hear It Now” will undergo some changes as Hamilton and Thornberg settle in. “Radio programs like ‘Hear It Now’ are highly influenced by their hosts, and although the core of the show—topical discussions about our region—will not change,” Thomas said, “Doug’s personality will shape the show and will have some bearing on its tone—and Ashley will have an effect, too.

The search to fill the position began several months ago when former host Merrill Piepkorn resigned to spend more time on the stage with his traveling show, “Dakota Air: The Radio Show,” which Prairie Public airs.